Press Release

Parenting education classes offered at no charge in Ada

Release Date: November 28, 2018

by Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office

Anyone wanting to grow as a parent or caregiver is welcome to attend a series of classes offered by the Chickasaw Nation at the Chickasaw Nation Family Support office. Classes are available to the public at no charge and focus on nurturing behaviors, parent empowerment and historic Native American child-rearing traditions.

ADA, Okla. – The Chickasaw Nation provides parenting education classes to interested members of the public at no charge at the Chickasaw Nation Family Support office, 720 Colony Drive. Anyone wanting to grow as a parent or caregiver is welcome.

These classes, offered through the parenting education program, focus on nurturing behaviors, parent empowerment and historic Native American child-rearing traditions.

Classes are available as a series. The next series will be available every Monday and Wednesday from Jan. 14 through March 13.

Morning and afternoon options are available. The morning courses will take place 9-11:30 a.m. The afternoon courses will take place 2:30-5 p.m.

The parenting education class is taught by Shala Cubit, Chickasaw Nation Parenting and Community Education Manager.

“Parenting is probably the hardest job anyone will ever do,” Cubit said. “It often comes with such a high expectation, as if parents should just know what to do. But that is not always the case. It helps to have a place where you can ask questions and gain insight.”

Her classes offer such a place.

Cubit is a trained instructor certified in two curricula: Nurturing Parenting Education and Positive Indian Parenting.

Nurturing Parenting Education is internationally-recognized as a program which empowers parents and enhances their self-worth, empathy and discipline. Rather than focusing on basics like changing diapers and feeding, this program helps parents build healthy relationships and create better environments.

The Positive Indian Parenting program pulls parenting insight from historic Native American child-rearing patterns, blending traditional values with modern skills. Parents can expect to learn about the values of storytelling, cradleboards, harmony, lessons of nature, behavior management and use of praise.

Lessons from both programs are woven into all classes.

“Parents can expect to walk away from these classes with a better understanding and growth as an individual,” Cubit said. “This will then benefit the family as a whole.”

Registration is required. Child care will not be provided.

For more information, or to register, contact the parenting education program at (580) 310-7900 or visit Chickasaw.net/Parenting.